Tim Heidecker’s Slipping Away solidifies his place as a multifaceted artist who refuses to be boxed into the “just comedy” category. While his comedic roots remain a cornerstone of his public persona, this album ventures into deeply emotional and introspective territory. Building on the poignant storytelling of 2022’s High School, Slipping Away shifts its focus to the complexities and quiet struggles of adulthood, creating his most musically accomplished work to date.
Recorded alongside his Very Good Band—featuring Connor “Catfish” Gallaher on guitar and pedal steel, Vic Berger on keyboards, Eliana Athayde on bass and backing vocals, and Josh Adams on drums—the album leans heavily into roots rock, with a touch of country and folk. Heidecker doesn’t seek laughs here but instead delves into themes that resonate universally: the weight of parenthood, marital strain, personal compromise, and the inevitability of aging. Tracks like “Well’s Running Dry” and “Bottom of the 8th” capture raw, relatable moments, whether it’s a man grappling with writer’s block or a father yearning for connection with his daughter.
The first half of the album radiates a calm, almost idyllic warmth, as heard in the sunlit optimism of “Trippin’ (Slippin’).” But this serenity isn’t without its cracks. “Dad of the Year” explores the bittersweet trade-offs of raising a family, while “Like I Do” peeks into the fraying edges of relationships. The second half reveals deeper shadows, with “Something Somewhere” marking a turning point. This standout track encapsulates the fleeting nature of happiness and the lingering sadness that follows, signaling a thematic shift to heavier existential musings. The stark imagery of “I Went to Town” and “Bows and Arrows”—burning cities and collapsing worlds—cements the album’s meditation on life’s fragility.
Though there are occasional flashes of humor, they’re tempered by the rawness of the subject matter, especially in tracks like “Hey, Would You Call My Mom for Me,” a poignant ballad about a homeless man’s desperation. The combination of Heidecker’s enhanced songwriting, his emotionally resonant vocals, and his band’s restrained yet dynamic performances make Slipping Away a nuanced reflection on midlife.
For those expecting absurdist comedy, this album may come as a surprise. But for listeners open to exploring Heidecker’s evolution as a sincere, thoughtful musician, Slipping Away is both a personal and artistic triumph. It’s an album that captures the push and pull of contentment and despair, revealing the artist’s talent for balancing both light and shadow in his storytelling. – Jason Felton